Reading together helps children develop a love of reading, introduces them to new vocabulary and teaches them important early literacy skills that will help them when they enter school.

How it works:

-Children under the age of 5 who reside in New London can register at the Public Library of New London for the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten program.
-When children sign up they will receive a reading log.
-Every time a book is read to your child they are to color a vehicle in their reading log.
-After reading 10 books your child will come to the library for a prize.
-Children will receive a prize after reading 10, 25, 50, 100, 200 and other increments.
-Once they reach 1,000 books they will receive a certificate, t-shirt and their name in a library book!

FAQs

Who can participate?
Any New London child, from birth until he or she enters kindergarten, can participate in the program.

How long do I have to read 1,000 books?
The program ends once the child has read 1,000 books or enters kindergarten. This program is self-paced.

What should I read to my child? Does it count if we reread a book?
You can read and reread any book to your child. If you’re looking for suggestions as a librarian or look at our 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Suggestion List.

Can I count a book read at the library, daycare or preschool?
Absolutely! All stories read to your child (whether by a parent, grandparent, friend, sibling, teacher or librarian) count. 

Are you interested in signing your child up?
Stop by the library to get started!

Children’s Department 
(860) 447-1411 ext.103

Children’s Librarian
Tori Congdon
vcongdon@plnl.org
860-447-1411 ext. 104

Children’s Librarian Assistant
Dana Santillana
dsantillana@plnl.org